Publication: Efficacy of Bomas (Kraals) in Mitigating Livestock Depredation in Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya
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2023-03-07
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RUFFORD FOUNDATION
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MDPI
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Abstract
Livestock depredation is a major conservation challenge globally, causing significant economic
losses to pastoralists and threatening large carnivore species outside protected areas. Our
study investigated the temporal and spatial distribution of livestock depredation incidences, carnivore
species associated with livestock depredation, and assessed mitigation measures in Maasai
Mara Conservancies in Southern Kenya. Using daily monitoring of livestock depredation cases, we
made comparisons between livestock attacks occurring in predator-proof bomas and those with
traditional kraals. A total of 305 livestock depredation incidents were recorded between January
and December 2021, translating to a total tally of 1411 livestock maimed or killed. Most livestock
depredation incidents occurred during the day (59%) as opposed to night (41%), but this difference
was not significant. Livestock depredation incidents in the nighttime occurred mostly inside traditional
kraals (34%) and occurred the least in predator-proof kraals (2%). Lions were responsible for
more livestock attacks in the grazing fields compared with leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs. Hyenas
were more daring and attacked livestock inside traditional bomas relative to lions and leopards.
Our study concludes that predator-proof bomas are more effective in minimizing livestock depredation
and can be embraced as a sound intervention for human–carnivore co-existence in communities’
wildlife conservation areas.
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Keywords
livestock depredation, bomas/kraals, conservancies, human–carnivore conflict, human–wildlife conflict